Methodist Modern Art Collection opens in Welwyn Garden City

The exhibition - entitled 'Deepening the Mystery - Unexpected Treasures of Art' - includes 25 exhibits from the main collection.

Most of the pictures depict scenes from the teaching and life of Christ, and the entire collection comprises of around 50 works.

The exhibition of religious art is open at the Focolare Centre for Unity (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)

Lady Verulam, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, opened the exhibition on Friday, March 1 at the Focolare Centre for Unity in Parkway.

In her opening speech, Lady Verulam - an established artist - spoke about the importance of art and culture.

Also present were the mayor and mayoress of Welwyn Hatfield, along with Hertfordshire County Council chairman Cllr Terry Douris and Mayor of Luton Cllr Mohammed Yaqub Hanif.

Mayor Cllr Pankit Shah speaking at the exhibition opening (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)

Mayor Cllr Pankit Shah said: "I am delighted to support the opening of the Methodist Modern Art Collection here in Welwyn Garden City.

"This exciting collection of art was due to come here in 2020 as part of the centenary celebrations of Welwyn Garden City.

"However, sadly Covid struck and many of the activities had to be put on hold. We are so pleased that now in 2024 the exhibition has finally arrived.

The mayor and mayoress of Welwyn Hatfield, the mayor of Luton and the Countess of Verulam at the opening (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)

"I am also pleased that it is taking place here at the Focolare Centre for Unity.

"This place, and the many people who work here have done much to support the local community. I hope that as many people as possible will visit this exhibition!"

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Churches in the area were represented by Rev Dr David Chapman, Methodist district chair of Beds, Essex and Herts, Bishop Richard Atkinson from Bedford and Bishop Paul McAleenan of Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster.

The Countess of Verulam and Mayor Cllr Pankit Shah mingling at the opening (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)

Addressing invited guests, David Chapman said that the exhibition coming to Welwyn Garden City was "the fruit of churches working together in the locality", and a "valuable resource for deepening our experience of Lent and Easter".

The exhibition runs until Sunday, April 7 and is open at the Focolare Centre for Unity in Parkway, from 11am to 4pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, and from 2pm to 5pm on weekends. 

Admission is free.

Admiring the art at the exhibition (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)

Admiring the art at the exhibition (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)

The opening of the exhibition at the Focolare Centre for Unity (Image: Martin Thorpe-Smith)